Control Systems
Integrated and Intelligent Control system
Arcon's sophisticated and fully programmable Control System can be integrated with operation systems of other related equipment and is designed to accurately retain maximum storage levels, even in the event of a power failure. The weir can be operated both manually and automatically and the PLC programmed to a client’s specific operation requirements.
Condensate Drainage System
Condensation can occasionally form inside the bladder, especially where there has been a significant difference in temperature between night and day, and during warmer months. Under these conditions, the Condensate Drainage System effectively evacuates any water which has accumulated inside of the bladder.
Arcon AquaPro in-tunnel Rubber Dams can be operated in one of three modes: manual control, pressure control and upstream water level control
Manual Level Control
Inflation and deflation of the bladder is accomplished by operating the push buttons on the front of the local control panel to start/ stop the inflation blower and to open/ close the deflation valves. The programmable logic controller (PLC) in the main control panel monitors the pressure switch, which in turn monitors the internal pressure of the bladder and overrides manual inflation if the internal pressure exceeds the maximum allowable pressure in the inflation curve.
Pressure control mode
Once pressure control is selected, the air pressure within the bladder will be controlled by the programmable logic controller (PLC) in the control panel. The PLC will monitor the pressure inside of the bladder and will inflate or deflate the dam as required to maintain the inner pressure within a narrow band around a pre-assigned pressure set point. The PLC will properly sequence the blower and valves to execute these functions.
Maximum of 20% overtopping after which time the bladder will fully deflate or the system will switch to upstream water level control mode
Upstream water level control mode
Once the upstream water level control mode is selected, the PLC monitors the upstream water level and partially inflates or deflates the dam as required to maintain an upstream water level within a narrow band around a pre-assigned water level set point with an accuracy of +/- 5cm.
The Rubber Dam will be able to maintain the maximum operation water level with an operator adjustable setpoint range of between 100% and 110% of the fully inflated Rubber Dam height, giving the client the option of adjusting the set point.
Each dam can be assigned an operating mode independent of the other dam.
The water level control system can operate hand-in-hand with the level control function of the turbines at an Hydropower plant, thus accurately guaranteeing the head pond level set point, and as a result, contribute to optimizing the output of the plant.
Remote monitoring and control is possible via an owner-supplied Ethernet network.
Client adjustable water level set point between 100-105% of fully inflated bladder height.
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Bladder in level control, operating in partially inflated positions from 100% inflation through all intermediate positions down to fully deflated.